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Model 49 snowblower sprocket upgrade step by step

53K views 54 replies 21 participants last post by  MF Kat 
#1 ·
I decided to upgrade my snowblower to a different sprocket. I have seen many threads about this but no real step by steps. So I am going to attempt to do a step by step for you guys.

I was moving it into the shop in this picture



Here is the sprocket shield removed



This is the sprocket that needs removed



This is the master link in the # 50 chain, sorry it is hard to see



Here is the set screw in the original 40 tooth sprocket



This is after the sprocket has been removed, a good time to check all of your bearings on the auger.



This is the original 40 tooth sprocket removed




I think I am going to go with the 36 tooth it sounds like a good fit for my 322. I am going to order the sprocket on Monday hopefully, there will be more pictures of the chain link removal and the new sprocket install.
 
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#3 ·
Here is mine, ready to go on!


$20 bucks or so for this gear.
I haven't used my 49 blower yet and kinda wanted to see how the old gear performed then upgrade to the smaller gear to see the difference.
 
#4 ·
http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=1-2124-34-E&catname=

item Item# 1-2124-34-E

This is the sproket you see above. I had no problems ordering from this company. This is a 34Tooth sproket with a 1"bore and 50Pitch.
I don't have it on yet, I think I am just going to put it on and not try out the original sproket.

The picture in the ad is of a smaller gear. that kind of swayed me to not buy one but I just ordered it and it was the correct gear.
 
#5 ·
Thank you both for the information and great pictures.

I used Surplus Center to get the snow blower lift linear actuator I put on my Craftsman/Berco combo. Great company to deal with. Fast shipping, and when I emailed them with a question one of their technicians CALLED me back and gave very sound advice.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the compliments guys.

itsJoJo, Well I was thinking about using the 36 tooth but now you have me considering the 34 tooth. I will be running mine on a 322 most of the time, and very seldom on a 317.
 
#7 ·
Here is an interesting youtube video. I have watched this guy on youtube. He has a 332 where he puts a 22? tooth pully on. You may want to watch him. I think yours is a Diesel too isn't it? Perhaps the diesel torque can push a smaller pully without bogging....
check the end of this video, he talks a little about it and you can see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tla500YrrJQ
 
#39 ·
Its interesting to note that i watched this video and then tried to find out if he posted a follow-up clip showing how the 22T sprocket worked. Well he did, but not in the way you'd think. One of his next videos shows his model 49 sans gearbox because it blew on him, he then proceeds to show the viewers the 54" plow he got. Rut-roh.

He says he stripped the teeth so when something had to give, the gears did. The teeth on sprocket had a shearing force lower than what the snow against the impeller produced. I also speculate doubling the speed was more than the gearbox lube could handle.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the video, my 322 is the gas version of the 332. I have a 3 cylinder gas Yanmar engine. I have decided to go with the 34 tooth. Planing on ordering it at a local shop here tomorrow.
 
#9 ·
Video: 49 JD Blower with 32T Mod, gotta see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpt-CfEdePA

I found this this morning. This guy states he used a 32 tooth upgrade on his JD Snow blower with a 318 at full throttle. He gets pretty good distance with his set up.
check it out!
 
#10 ·
I like those skid shoes. Where did you get them?

Also, I upgraded/modified my spout and that made a HUGE difference in my #49 performance. Just a thought...
 
#11 ·
itsjojo - thanks I ordered a 34 tooth yesterday it is supposed to be in tomorrow.

esnb74- The skid shoes were made by Jim Briney they are his heavy duty skid shoe upgrade. Haven't had a chance to use them yet, but I think they will work better than the factory ones in my gravel driveway.
 
#12 ·
Keep up posted. I think I am going to put my 34T on Sunday. I wanted to test out the original sproket (never used the blower yet) then upgrade. I just can't wait for snow here in Pennsylvania so I'm putting it on my blower that way on the first blowable snow I can see its full potential. Now sure how much snow we are going to get. 65 degrees here today.
 
#14 ·
Allsystemz,
Good info there, may I ask if your running that 30t on a 318? My worry was that going too low with a tooth count may bog down the motor.... sounds like you have no bogging due to how happy you are..

I looked for a 30T surpluscenter and found this. Maybe I'll buy it try. Only $15

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=1-2124-30-E&catname=
 
#15 ·
I switched to a 30 tooth last year as well. Dramatic improvement in throwing distance. Pretty light winter last year so I still have not tested in deep wet snow, will have to wait and see if it bogs down any.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Well I completed the upgrade this evening. I put everything back together and ran the snow blower, all ran well. I need to get some chain lube before I put the cover back on. here are the pictures.

Here is the new 34 tooth sprocket laying next to the factory 40 tooth



Notice the hub protrudes through the sprocket on the factory one, and the new one is smooth. This will be important when you put the new sprocket on you will have to make sure you line up your sprockets so the chain is nice and strait.



Notice the new sprocket has two allen head set screws



This is a chain breaking tool used to remove the links of the chain



Here is how you place the tool on the chain. then you screw it down until it pushes the pin out. This tool is just one way of doing it there are several ways you can removed the chain links. Now is also a good time to thoroughly inspect your chain for wear.



Here are the removed links



This is the idler sprocket that you will adjust the chain tension as per the manual



All done tension set and ready to try out



All in all this was a pretty easy upgrade to perform with basic tools. If how much air the blower moves when running is any indication of how well it is going to blow snow then I have a feeling I will be very happy with the upgrade. I am going to possibly do the rubber flap upgrade next. I was going to check the RPM on the new gear but my digital tack battery was dead. I hope this helps anyone who may be considering this upgrade. It could be done in less than a couple of hours if you had the new sprocket before you started. Questions welcome

Thanks
Tony
 
#19 ·
Thanks PA318Guy, I will be sure to post video, I believe I have video from two years ago we can compare it to also to see the difference. I am excited and ready to blow some snow.
 
#21 ·
I bought it from Mader electric motor here is Springfield, Ohio it cost me $32 with tax
 
#24 ·
Jim I didnt even notice that I am going to have to change that, I suppose this is why we take pictures. Shouldn't matter as long as the cover goes back on.
 
#26 ·
Here is it routed correctly

 
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